Cognizant Sound: NEWS

Cognizant Sound just wants to give thanks to everyone who came down to the Alehouse in Portland, the night before Memorial Day! Truely a nice night.

Big up to Tish of Ambassador Sound for coming down and running some classic tunes as well keeping the vibes steady on the mic.

Cognizant Sound and Ambassador Sound will be taking the reggae music to the water this summer on a cruise off of portland. 2 Bars and plenty of vibes! Details to follow..
check back. peace.

RODIGAN VS DOWNBEAT REVIEW - 4/15/06

LOTS MORE PHOTOS HERE:
datzwhatzup.net
I can without a doubt say that I am glad that I made the trip to NYC for this historic clash. Made the trek to NYC with Sir Frank and Wack-a-b.
We were able to roll a little early and meet up with Jah Rich, Jen and Voyager 01 for a couple of drinks before clash time. We arrived at C-Pac around 12:30 AM and still had plenty of time to get situated before clash time. Which was good, because the place was filled by the end of the night. Clash probably didn't start until 1:30 AM, I wasn't really looking at a clock.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this clash. The real question for me: Will Rodigan play foundation all night or play whatever he feels, including up to the time?
I made the assumption that Downbeat would be playing strictly foundation all night. My assumptions and questions were answered real quick.

1st off: MC comes on and details the scoring and structure. 4 - 15 minute rounds a piece, 1 - 10 minute round a piece, and then tune fi tune. Points would be given after each round. Crowd did not like this, everyone started booing as soon as he announced the point system. MC looked like he wanted to get rid of the point system from crowd response, but he pointed out that the selectors decided on the rules.

After a coin toss: Rodi was 1st up.
I won't get too far into describing every tune that was played. LOOK for the audio which should be out soon enough (and check reviews on dancehallreggae.com). I will point out that my questions for the clash were answered pretty quick when Rodi played Baby Cham's ghetto Story for his 3rd selection. So much for a strictly foundation night.

To test my assumptions even more, Downbeat counteracted with some tunes on the 85 riddim as well. In fact, Tony Screw was playing up to the time to start which was a slight surprise.

While I was hoping to hear a strictly foundation clash, I was still feeling the entire clash. I think the only reference to anyone's mother was when Rodigan talked about his mother's birthday.. The lack of slackness really made for a nice night.

Back to summary: Tony Screw started strong and took the 1st two rounds. It started to look like he was gonna run away with it, when Rodigan came back with loads of big tunes and serious energy and took rounds 3 + 4.

Brief summary of rounds:


2nd round:
Rodigan played a lot of bounties (too many played by both in my opinion, I didn't they were reading the crowd well at this point), couple alton ellis, bitty mcclean.

Srew: Counteracted the alton ellis and bitty mcclean dubs. He played a couple of barry browns and one of the highlights: eek-a-mouse wah-do-dem, the intro and delivery on this was wicked!!!

3rd round: Rodi started out with with Dennis Emanual Brown and into Bushman on the same riddim. Kashief Lindo, Snow dub even got a nice response.

DB: Bad Boys dub which got a mixed response. I personally thought this was a strange selection.. Buju "mad over me" on the simmer down riddim. Again, good response, but not huge. Gladiatiors "step rite up" dub!!

4th round:
RODI: "world a music" dub by ini Kamoze . Rodigan took this round easily.

Tony Screw: Started with Glen Washington and got booed. I was thinking to myself later how fucked it must have been beeing Glen (in attendance and watching the crowd boo). Glen is one of my favorite artist, but DB drew it at a strange time.

I still believe that Tony Screw carry a deeper box, but he didn't seem to drop the right tunes and carry as much energy as Rodi. This was evident in the tune fi tune when Screw made a weak effort to counteract Rodi's Tenor Saw, played a Ken Booth. A lot of people were wondering why he didn't draw Nitty gritty or Peter Tosh? Again, place went wild when Rodi played SuperCat in tune fi tune and another weak counter with Early B "Bicycle". Wicked tune, but the wrong time..

Another note: Downbeat had serious sound problems. I don't know if it was sound system problem or simply bad production, or presses of his dubs? Either way there was a huge difference between the sounds quality of his dubplates (mainly vinyl) and Rodigans CDs. Rodigan's were louder and crisper. There were moments were it was hard to hear Downbeat's tunes. This hurt him.

A nice night all around! Serious selections and vibes!

Big ups: Ital Sound (Adam West and King Selector), Jah Rich and Jen, Voyager 01, Mad Skim, Ranking Joe, Foxy, Frank, Wack-a-B, and anyone else I am forgetting.

-Geofferson

yes, massive, intersting news story here:

Reggae News: Dub Engineer ‘The Scientist’ Fears For His Life As He And Record Label/Producer Jah Life Receive Death Threat From King Jammys Henchman:


On Saturday, March 25th, 2006 West Indian Times was alerted by veteran artists and producers in the Reggae industry to the existence of 2 separate recordings of conversations which included death threats towards Dub Engineer Hopeton Overton ‘The Scientist’ Browne and Producer/Label owner Hyman ‘Jah life’ Wright as well as admission of perjury in a US court by King Jammys. One of the recordings is a conversation between King Jammys (a record label/producer based in Jamaica) and Dub Engineer Scientist who is based in America and the other recording is of a conversation between The Scientist and a man who stated that King Jammys was his boss.
After listening to the recordings West Indian Times spoke to Browne and Jah Life to find out what led to the death threats. We were given history that spanned over 30 years in the music industry; history, secrets, facts that only a few are privy to. For now, we will share with you our readers the information we were given as to what directly led up to the death threats against Scientist and Jah Life.


In 2003 The Scientist filed a law suit in the United States Federal Court against Greensleeves record label (based in England) and the company RockStar the makers of the game ‘Grand Theft Auto’ for copyright infringement. The Scientist had challenged Greensleeves for the recording and composition copyrights of five tracks which they used on the video game, Grand Theft Auto 3. The music was originally from one of The Scientist's albums that was released in the 80's entitiled 'Scientist Rids The World Of The Evil Vampires.' The Scientist’s music was included in the violent video game without his knowledge or consent. Greensleeves had made a deal with RockStar for the company to use the music by The Scientist and when Greensleeves was asked by RockStar if they had the rights to the music they said they did. Greensleeves indemnified Rockstar meaning they would be responsible for any costs incurred if there was a claim by any person stating that they had rights to the music.


In the US court Greensleeves had to produce the documents that were signed with RockStar for Grand Theft Auto, they had to produce the shipping bill and all the information regarding pressing. Greensleeves also produced a document which was alleged to have been signed by a producer and marketing rep who represented both Jah Life (US) and The Scientist (Jamaica) overseas. This producer/marketing rep. was Henry ‘Junju’ Lawes. The document was signed in approximately 1978 and showed where Greensleeves paid Junju for music. They also produced a second document which was allegedly signed by Lawes around 1994 before he died. The second document signed by Lawes basically gave ownership and copyright of music by over 30 artists to Greensleeves. However, nowhere on the contract did it mention an amount that was paid for the copyright ownership. There was also a question in court as to the validity of the documents signed by Junju Lawes as he was illiterate and Greensleeves knew this, in fact both Jah Life and Scientist say that Greensleeves would not work with them, only through Jun Ju as they could get away with fooling him as he could not read or write. Scientist and Jah Life claim that this is why Junju was named as producer on over 30 + albums that he took to Greensleeves instead of them. Also, it was noted that both contracts had identical signatures, no deviation and even had the same smudge marks as though the second signature was cut and paste from the first contract.


King Jammys Testifies For Greensleeves


Since there were doubts as to the validity of the contract signed by Junju, Greensleeves had Producer / Record Label owner King Jammys travel from Jamaica to America to testify in court on behalf of Greensleeves and against The Scientist. In court King Jammys testified that The Scientist was a young boy of 14/15 years old and did not have the experience to engineer the music that he says he did. He also said that he, King Jammys was the boss and foreman at King Tubbys studio in Kingston where the work was produced and when The Scientist did any work it was on a ‘work for hire’ basis, you got paid for your work one time and you owned no copyright. The Scientist says this is not true and although he was very young, King Tubby trusted him implicitly to open up and lock up the studio as well as engineer the music. Unfortunately King Tubby is deceased and unable to verify this. However, Jah Life verified that what The Scientist said is true. Jah Life states that at no time was Jammys in the studio with them, it was only The Scientist, Jah Life and Junju’s brother ‘Melon.’


Another artist, veteran DJ Lady Ann also spoke to West Indian Times saying that she was there in the studios most of the time with The Scientist and that he was the best mixing engineer of those times. Lady Ann said that King Tubby’s studio was the worst place in Kingston, she said you had to pass gunmen who would ask if you are PNP or JLP in order for you to get past and you had to answer ‘Musician’. Lady Ann said that Jammys (who was Prince Jammys at the time) would not go to the studio because it was too dangerous and she knew that Jammys was envious of The Scientist because of the trust and faith that King Tubbys put into Scientist. Lady Ann says she too is fighting for her royalties so that her children are set before she leaves this earth.


Why Did King Jammys Lie?


According to The Scientist, King Jammys along with Lynval Thompson are the only people who records show are paid by Greensleeves. Lynval Thompson is also a record producer. It is in King Jammys best interest to see that Greensleeves stays viable so he can channel his music through England. The Scientist is now a big threat and hindrance to Greensleeves and King Jammys because although the US Federal Judge and Grand Jury believed King Jammys story that Scientist was too young to have so much power and skills at that young age, and he had been paid ‘work for hire’ the company RockStar settled with him out of court and paid him for his works. They obviously believed Scientist.


Greensleeves Responsible Party


Although they did not have to pay The Scientist and give him the copyright to his music, Greensleeves was responsible for the huge bill that had been mounting up over a three year period. The expensive lawyer fees for themselves and RockStar and all monies paid out was their responsibility.


Greensleeves recently sold their company.


The Scientist now has a lawsuit pending in France against Greensleeves, and his lawyer Andre R. Bertrand is engaging in actions to obtain the payment of the legal remunerations due and payable to the Jamaican artists and musicians, including Jah Life and The Scientist, who were not compensated for their work.


In France, the courts want to see an actual contract showing ownership they do not recognize the concept of work for hire. This will put Greensleeves in a serious situation because if they lose in court, they could face fines of up to 180,000 Euros per violation and a violation does not mean an album but a track. Not only that, but it would set a precedence for others to follow and be compensated for their work.


The Death Threats


Calls were made to The Scientist on Sunday, March 19th 2006 and he recorded them.


Note: Source: West Indian Times

First off I have to give big respect to the whole Trumystic family. Kirsty, Dylan, Dan, Reggie, Glen, Dwayne and of course the dept. of dub. Not only does this band spead heavy dub vibes across the US but they also bring with them an optomistic humbleness that needs to be mentioned. I had the pleasure to join up with them at two shows this past weekend. Starting with the Asylum in Portland, ME and then the Rusty Nail in Stow, VT. Each night Trumystic heated up the dancefloor with great stage presence and nuff drum n bass to put a smile on anybody face. The way their music sails from genre to genre shows the dedication of the band as well as a knowledge of the music. In my opinion they remain true to DUB, but the addition of a fiddle plus conscious lyrics of hope and love, keep the crowd on their toes waiting for more. They have a myspace as well as a website, www.trumystic.net . Please take Lukaduke's advice and check out dis band. They are currently working on a new studio album which will have a guest artist by the name of Mikey Dread. Yo these guys are moving foward ! Check for Lukadukes heavy dub set to be soon uploaded in the sounds folder. Hope to see some suppport in the upcoming shows @ MJ's and the Alehouse. As always there will be mixes flying out of mi hand !

Pheww ! The past weeks have been a busy time for the Cognizant family. Big things have gotten rolling since last year and its lookin good in 2006. Big RESPECT and THANKS to Geofferson for supplying sum nice vibes back @ the Red Door on Dec 28. Also respect due to all the Portland crew who made the trip ( Yodi, Jim, Val, Mr. Motion, Matt). New Years also deserves to be noted due to another wonderful night of Geofferson supplying those hard to come by tracks that hes becoming so well known for. Well to sum things up the record collections of Cognizant Sound is growing fast and furiously, and connections are being made on a daily basis. Truth be told each and every time the tables turn ina Cognizant Style, things move foward. Stay current with the upcoming shows and check how da vibes a grow.

Big Up All Portland Crowd ! Give thanks for last night cause there was a natural mystic blowin in da air. Portland massive came out and REPRESENTED. Respect to the Royal River Crew ! You peeps can wind that waist for sure. The run down of the night was hot hot hot. Tune after tune Lukaduke gave the crowd what they wanted to hear. I have never seen such an attentive crowd in Portland and I am feelin Irie. More nights to come at the Alehouse. Keep informed by joining the Cognizant Army ! Check the photo page !!

First off I have to say respect to Soul of the Lion for offering up the night! I had nuff fun @ the Red Door and want to go back soon! Great atmosphere with couches, hardwood floors and candlelight. Not much room to dance but the vibes were mellow and nice all night. Steady flow of people (20-50) and alot of head bobbin and people asking " What song is this? Who is this ? " It reminded me of a good night at the old Free St. My selections were well versatile playing the spectrum from old roots to some modern riddims even throwin down a lil lounge dub and nuff lovers tunes for the ladies (mine especially). Lookin to make it a monthly journey ! Keep your eyes open !

Respect Due to Ital Sound for inviting me down to throw down some records at Silk City. Check the images on the photo page. From a selector's point of view there were nice vibes all night. They pour a nice guiness at Silk City and with 4 selectors on for the night, nuff big tunes were played. Zach from Royal Majestic Sound also ran some selections, showcasing modern conscious cuts. King Selector ran a few of my favorite tracks, such as the "let me tell you boy" riddim. The Nicodemus tracks on this riddim are tough! Adam West got the massive moving with a tough 80's set to wrap up the night.

Ital Sound is run by Adam West and King Selector. While they play through the years, they are known for staying true to the rub a dub sound. Check out their monthly event at Silk City, the 3rd Wed. of each month!!

-Geofferson